In the spirit of the Michael Phelps’ quest to break Mark Spitz’s record of seven gold medals in a single Games, here are eight reasons Phelps is so good: 1. Giant wingspan
His arms are 6 feet 7 inches from one end to the other. Potentially, that means fewer strokes.
2. Large lungs
It allows him to take in more oxygen when swimming.
3. Short legs, large trunk.
His body is disproportionate, allowing him to hydroplane along the water.
4. Freakishly large feet
His size 14s act like flippers in the water.
5. Extra flexible
It gives him a greater range of motion.
6. Competitive spirit
Simply he just doesn’t like to lose.
7. Great turns
He wins a lot of his races on turns with his ability to accelerate underwater.
8. Versatility
He has the rare combination of having the speed of a sprinter and the endurance of a marathon swimmer.
